Construction of apricot variety search engine based on deep learning

Apricot has a long history of cultivation and has many varieties and types. The traditional variety identification methods are timeconsuming and labor-consuming, posing grand challenges to apricot resource management. Tool development in this regard will help researchers quickly identify variety information. This study photographed apricot fruits outdoors and indoors and constructed a dataset that can precisely classify the fruits using a U-net model (F-score:99%), which helps to obtain the fruit's size, shape, and color features. Meanwhile, a variety search engine was constructed, which can search and identify variety from the database according to the above features. Besides, a mobile and web application (ApricotView) was developed, and the construction mode can be also applied to other varieties of fruit trees.Additionally, we have collected four difficult-to-identify seed datasets and used the VGG16 model for training, with an accuracy of 97%, which provided an important basis for ApricotView. To address the difficulties in data collection bottlenecking apricot phenomics research, we developed the first apricot database platform of its kind (ApricotDIAP, http://apricotdiap.com/) to accumulate, manage, and publicize scientific data of apricot.

Comparison of Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction with Simultaneous Steam Distillation Extraction for the Analysis of the Volatile Constituents in Chinese Apricot

Volatile constituents in fully mature fruits of apricot （Prunus armeniaca L.） cultivar Xinshiji were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction （HS-SPME） and simultaneous steam distillation extraction （SSDE） and then analyzed using capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 70 components were identified by HSSPME, including 20 esters, 19 hydrocarbons, 5 alcohols, 5 ketones, 4 acids, 4 lactones, 3 aldehydes, and 10 miscellaneous components, with the esters being the dominant constituent. On the basis of the odor unit values, it is believed that the following compounds probably contributed to the fresh apricot odor： hexyl acetate, β-ionone, butyl acetate, （E）-2-hexenal, linalool, limonene, γ-decalactone, and hexanal. A total of 49 components were also detected by SSDE, including 13 hydrocarbons, 9 alcohols, 7 aldehydes, 9 esters, 4 ketones, 4 lactones, 2 acids, and 1 miscellaneous component, of which the monoterpene alcohols were the dominant constituents. It could be judged from the odor unit values that the following compounds were the major contributors to boiled apricot aroma： β-ionone, linalool, hexyl acetate, γ-dodecalactone, γ- decalactone, （E）-2-hexenal, hexanal, γ-octalactone, phenylacetaldehyde, butyl acetate, limonene, α-terpineol, and δ-decalactone. The results show that HS-SPME is a simple, rapid, and solvent-free method, which is an alternative to the classical SSDE.

Study on Supercooling Point and Freezing Point in Floral Organs of Apricot

Under the environment of an artificial climate chamber, supercooling point （SCP） and freezing point （FP） in flower and young fruit at different development stages and freezing injuries of floral organs were studied. The apricot cultivars tested were Kety, Golden Sun and Honghebao. With the development of flower buds, SCP and FP increased, which indicated that their cold resistance decreased. SCP and FP varied with different floral organs. For different apricot cultivars, it was found that, the lower SCP or FP in floral organs was, the more resistant capacity the cultivar had, and the larger the temperature interval from SCP to FP was. SCP was not a constant value, but a range. Frequency distribution of SCP in petals was more dispersing than that in stamens and pistils. Floral organs could maintain a supercooling state to avoid ice formation, but they were sensitive to freezing. Once floral organs froze, thev turned brown after thawing.

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma responds to MK615, a compound extract from the Japanese apricot “Prunus mume ”

MK615, a compound extracted from the Japanese apricot "Prunus mume " has been reported to have in vitro anti-tumor activities against several cancer cell lines,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). However, the clinical effects and feasibility of administering MK615for patients with HCC were unknown. We experienced a case with advanced HCC for which MK615 was effective against both lymph node and pulmonary metastases. A 60-year-old female underwent surgical resection of a 9 cm HCC in the right lobe. The pathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated HCC with vascular invasion. The HCC recurred in the liver 8 mo after the surgery. Radiofrequency ablation and transarterial infusion chemotherapy were performed, but the recurrence was not controlled. One year after the intrahepatic recurrence, pulmonary and lymph metastasis appeared.Sorafenib was administered, but was not effective.Then, MK615 was administered as a final alternative therapy after informed consent was obtained from the patient. Three months later, her alpha-fetoprotein level decrease and both the lymph node and pulmonary metastases decreased in size. The patient has survived for more than 17 mo after the MK615 administration, and was in good condition. Although further investigations are necessary to clarify its safety and efficacy in humans, MK615 may be useful for the treatment of HCC,without serious adverse effects.

Comparative assessment of physicochemical properties of unripe peach(Prunus persica) and Japanese apricot(Prunus mume)

Objective:To investigate the physicochemical properties of unripe peach-Pruuns persica cv.Mibaekdo(Mibaekdo) and Prunus persica cv.Nagasawa Hakuho(Nagasawa Hakuho) as an alternative to fowl supplement while Japanese apricot(Prunus mume cv.Backaha)(Backaha) was used as a control sample.Methods:The unripe fruits were analyzed for soluble solid(Brix).titratable acidity.pH,total polyphenol content,1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging activity,amygdalin content,free amino acid content,organic acid content,free sugar content,and α-amylase activities.Results:Total polyphenol content of unripe peach ranged between 137.27-151.64 μg/g whereas that of apricot was 160.73 μg/g.DPPH radical scavenging activities of Rackaha was the highest189.16%.) followed by Mibaekdo(85.03%) and Nagasawa Hakuho(41.30%).The highest amount of oxalic acid 1612.8 mg/100 g) was observed in Mibaekdo while that of Nagasawa llakuho and Backaha were(184.6±18.1) and(334.8±16.1) mg/100 g,respectively.Amygdalin contents of Mibaekdo.Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were 486.61,548.60 and 174.28 μg/g,respectively.Conclusions:The results suggest that the unripe fruit of peach has a significant biochemical potential of using as a food supplement with potential health benefit for human health.

Identification of two Monilia species from apricot in China

Monilinia fructicola, Monilia mumecola and Monilia yunnanensis have been reported as the causal agents of brown rot disease on stone fruits in China. Up to date, these species have been identified from peach and plum, and M. mumecola has also been reported on apricot recently. To investigate whether M. fructicola and M. yunnanensis can cause brown rot disease on apricot in China, 37 isolates were collected from four orchards in Chongqing and Beijing municipalities in 2014. These isolates were divided into two phenotypes according to their distinct colony appearances. Two representative isolates of each phenotype and reference species of M. mumecola from apricot were selected for further analysis. Based on the morphological characterization and molecular identification, the two phenotypes of isolates were identified as M. fructicola and M. yunnanensis, respectively.

Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies differentially expressed genes between normal and late-blooming Siberian apricot

Blooming date is an important trait in fruit tree species.Although several quantitative trait loci confirming blooming date were identified in Prunus spp.,the molecular mechanism underlying it remains unclear.Arising from this,the transcriptomes of normal blooming and lateblooming Siberian apricot(P.sibirica L.)flower buds were analyzed using RNA-seq technology.A total of 68,855 unigenes were de novo assembled,among which 1204 were differentially expressed between normal and late blooming.Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that biological processes were enriched with metabolic processes.The catalytic-related gene transcripts between the two types of blooming were significantly changed in the molecular function.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that 156 genes were successfully annotated and 75 pathways enriched.Genes for gibberellin biosynthesis were up-regulated in normal blooming,whereas abscisic acid degradation-related genes were also up-regulated in normal blooming.Moreover,circadian rhythms related genes including EARLY FLOWERING 4,LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL and CIRCANDIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 were all up-regulated in normal blooming,indicating that circadian rhythms have a very important role in controlling blooming date.Furthermore,zinc finger protein CONSTANS-LIKE 12 was blasted onto the quantitative trait loci region on linkage group 4 in peach.However,changes in the abundance of key flowering genes such as SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1,FLOWERING LOCU T,LEAFY and FLOWERING LOCUS C were not significantly different,indicating that further investigation should explore the function of these genes on blooming date.The outcomes of this study will provide a valuable platform for further research on the molecular mechanism of blooming date in Prunus.

Effects of Low Temperature Stress and INA Bacteriaon Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Induction Kineticsin Young Fruit of Two Apricot Cultivars

Effects of low temperature and INA bacteria on the change of chlorophyll a fluorescence in young fruit from two apricot cultivars were investigated. Low temperature decreased the potential activity (Fv/ Fo), conversion efficiency of primary light energy (Fv/Fm)of PS II and photochemical quenching (qP) in young fruit of two apricot cultivars. Low temperature enhanced non-photochemical quenching qN, decreasing the quantum yield of photosynthetic electron transfer. The presence of ice nucleating active (INA) bacteria intensified the effects of low temperature, raised the injury temperature threshold from - 4℃ to - 2 - - 3℃. INA bacteria can be a factor to induce frost susceptibility of apricot fruit. The amount of damaged PS I activity center was related to apricot fruit size and cultivar.

Japanese apricot improves symptoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To investigate the effects of Japanese apricot(JA) consumption on gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)-related symptoms.METHODS: Participants included individuals living in Minabe-cho,a well-known JA-growing region,who received specific medical check-ups by the local community health service in 2010.GERD-related symptoms were examined in 1303 Japanese individuals using a validated questionnaire,the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD(FSSG),which consists of 7 questions associated with acid reflux symptoms and 5 questions asking about gastrointestinal dysmotility symptoms.Each question was answered using a 4-point scale,with higher scores indicating more severe GERDrelated symptoms.Subjects were divided into two groups according to their intake of dried and pickled JA: daily intake(≥ 1 JA daily)(392 subjects) and none oroccasional intake(< 1 JA daily)(911 subjects).FSSG scores were compared between subjects who consumed JA daily and those who did not.Next,subjects were stratified by age,gender and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) status for subanalyses.RESULTS: Those who ate JA daily were significantly older than those who did not(60.6 ± 10.5 years vs 56.0 ± 11.0 years,P < 0.001).Total FSSG scores were significantly lower in subjects with daily JA intake than in those with none or only occasional intake(2.13 ± 3.14 vs 2.70 ± 3.82,P = 0.005).In particular,subjects who consumed JA daily showed significantly improved FSSG dysmotility scores compared with subjects who did not(1.05 ± 1.58 vs 1.46 ± 2.11,P < 0.001).In contrast,the FSSG reflux score did not differ between subjects with and without daily intake of JA(1.08 ± 1.90 vs 1.24 ± 2.11,P = 0.177).Subanalysis indicated that improvement in dysmotility by JA intake was specifically observed in non-elderly(1.24 ± 1.68 vs 1.62 ± 2.22,P = 0.005) and H.pylori-negative subjects(0.99 ± 1.58 vs 1.57 ± 2.06,P < 0.001).GERD patients(total FSSG score ≥ 8) were less frequently observed among subjects with daily intake of JA as compared to those without daily intake of JA(6.1% vs 9.7%,P = 0.040).CONCLUSION: Daily JA intake may improve digestive dysmotility symptoms,resulting in relief of GERD symptoms.The effect is more obvious in non-elderly and H.pylori-negative subjects.

PaPYL9 is involved in the regulation of apricot fruit ripening through ABA signaling pathway

Abscisic acid(ABA)is a major regulator of non-climacteric fruit ripening;however,the role of ABA in the ripening of climacteric fruit is not clear.Here,as a typical climacteric fruit,apricots were used to investigate the role of ABA in fruit ripening.Based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)of our previous transcriptome data,we treated‘Danxing’fruit with exogenous ABA and obtained ABA receptor genes,genes related to ABA biosynthesis and signal transduction,and analyzed the response of these candidate genes to exogenous ABA during fruit ripening.Subsequently,the full length of candidate PYLs genes were cloned,and their putative function were analyzed by phylogenetic analysis and protein structure domain analysis.And then the function of one candidate gene PaPYL9 was verified by using transgenic tomato.Furthermore,the response genes in transgenic tomato were screened by transcriptome sequencing,and ultimately the related regulatory network was proposed.The results showed that the injection of exogenous 1.89 mmol·L^(-1) ABA remarkably promoted fruit coloration,and increased the color index for red grapes(CIRG)and the total soluble solids(TSS)content,but significantly decreased the firmness and titratable acid(TA)content(p<0.01).Nordihydroguaiaretic acid(NDGA),the inhibitor of ABA,appeared to have the converse role in TA,TSS,CIRG and firmness,during the ripening process.One NCED(9-cis-epoxycarotenoiddioxygenase)and five ABA receptor genes related to signal transduction were mined from the transcriptome data of apricot fruit through WGCNA.Compared with the control,the expression levels of NCED1,PYL9(PYR/PYL/RCAR),SnRK2(SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING1(SNF1)-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2S),and ABF2(ABRE-binding bZIP transcription)were induced dramatically by ABA treatment(p<0.01),while NDGA treatment significantly inhibited their expression.Based on gene expression and protein domain analysis,we inferred that PaPYL9 is putatively involved in apricot fruit ripening.Overexpression of PaPYL9 in Micro-TOM tomatoes resulted in the promotion of early ripening.Simultaneously,the expression levels of genes related ethylene biosynthesis,chlorophyll degradation,fruit softening,flavor formation,pigment synthesis,and metabolism were all significantly induced in overexpression of PaPYL9 tomatoes.This indicates the central role of ABA in climacteric fruit ripening.A regulatory network was tentatively proposed,laying the foundation to unveil the molecular mechanism of the regulatory role of PaPYL9 in fruit ripening.

Acute cyanide poisoning due to apricot kernel ingestion

Cyanide is a toxin and one of the most rapidly acting fatal poisons that human being is aware. If it is not treated promptly, encountering to cyanide poison will lead to die in minutes. Cyanide avoids cellular oxygen usage by inactivating mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase thus inhibits cellular respiration. In this case, we represent a case report describing uncommon cyanide intoxication owing to consumption of a few portion of apricot kernels and its rapid treatment with dicobalt edetate after suspection of cyanide poisoning.

The Use of Prunus mume in the Development of Low Chill Apricot Varieties:the Status of Work in the United States

Several groups in the USA have been working to de-velop a low chill apricot that would ripen its fruits veryearly in the season. Unfortunately, the cultivatcd apricothas been developed mainly from the high chilling Euro-pean group within the species Prunus armeniaca. Amongthe five groups within the apricot species, this is the mostrecently evolved and least variable (Bailey and

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis facilitates apricot seedling(Prunus sibirica L.)growth and photosynthesis in northwest China

Arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM)fungi can successfully enhance photosynthesis(P_(n))and plants growth in agricultural or grassland ecosystems.However,how the symbionts affect species restoration in sunlight-intensive areas remains largely unexplored.Therefore,this study’s objective was to assess the effect of AM fungi on apricot seedling physiology,within a specific time period,in northwest China.In 2010,an experimental field was established in Shaanxi Province,northwest China.The experimental treatments included two AM fungi inoculation levels(0 or 100 g of AM fungal inoculum per seedling),three shade levels(1900,1100,and 550µmol m^(−2) s^(−1)),and three ages(1,3,and 5 years)of transplantation.We examined growth,Pn,and morphological indicators of apricot(Prunus sibirica L.)seedling performances in 2011,2013,and 2015.The colonization rate in mycorrhizal seedlings with similar amounts of shade is higher than the corresponding controls.The mycorrhizal seedling biomass is significantly higher than the corresponding non-mycorrhizal seedling biomass.Generally,P_(n),stomatal conductance(G_(s)),transpiration rate(T_(r)),and water use efficiency are also significantly higher in the mycorrhizal seedlings.Moreover,mycorrhizal seedlings with light shade(LS)have the highest Pn.WUE is increased in non-mycorrhizal seedlings because of the reduction in T_(r),while T_(r) is increased in mycorrhizal seedlings with shade.There is a significant increase in the N,P,and K fractions detected in roots compared with shoots.This means that LS had apparent benefits for mycorrhizal seedlings.Our results also indicate that AM fungi,combined with LS,exert a positive effect on apricot behavior.

Properties of Apricot Kernel and Oils as Fruit Juice Processing Waste

Recently, more attention has been focused on the utilization of food processing by products and wastes, as well as under-utilization agricultural products. Some physical and chemical properties, mineral contents and fatty acid composition of apricot kernel and oils were determined. The oil yields from kernels changed from 42.2% to 57.2%. The crude fibre contents ranged between 4.06% and 7.63%. In addition, crude protein contents ranged between 15.1% and 24.2%. While the peroxide values of kernel oils change between 0.834 meq/Kg and 8.294 meq/Kg, acidity values ranged between 0.279% and 0.700%. The main fatty acids in apricot kernel oils were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. Oleic acid contents of kernel oils varied between 53.06% and 70.90%. On the other hand, linoleic acid contents ranged between 21.43% and 35,67%. As a result, the present study showed the apricot kernels of the researched species of apricot kernels from Turkey are a potential source of valuable oil which might be used for edible and other industrial applications.

Species of Ice Nucleation Active Bacteria on the Apricot and the Relationship Between Their Activity and Flower Frost

During 1996- 1997, sixty samples were collected from apricot in Hebei Province, from which nineteen ice nucleation active bacterial strains were isolated. Nine stains were identified as Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae by bacteriological determination, while the others were Erwinia uredovora. Assay of ice nucleation activity (INA) showed the activity of the Pseudomonas strains was higher than that of the Erwinia.According to the number of bacterial cells required to produce one ice nucleus active at - 3℃, four stains was classified as strong ones, three as medium-strong, the remainder as weak. In general, the INA of these strains were regarded as medium-strong. Under stress of Iow temperatures, treatment of INA bacteria can greatly raised relative electric conductivity of petals and permeability of cell membrane. The treated petals showed symptoms of serious frost at - 3 - - 4℃ and had supercooling points of 2 - 3℃ higher than controls. Our results demon strated that INA bacteria are one major factor to incite frost damage to apricot flowers. We may reduce frost injury to apricot during flowering phage through control of INA bacteria.

Self-incompatibility Characteristics of 34 Apricot Cultivars in Xinjiang

[ Objective] This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-incompatibility strength and characteristics related to pollination and fertilization of different apricot varieties in Xinjiang. [ Method] The pollen amount, pollen germination rate, pollen tube growth status and fruiting setting rate by self-pollina- tion of 34 apricot cultivars in Xinjiang were determined, to analyze the self-incompatibility of different apricot cultivars. [ Result] The average pollen amount per anther of 34 apricot eultivars was 1 213.7, and the average pollen germination rate was 46.0%. There were great differences in the self-incompatlbility of different cuhivars ; most pollen tubes of the euhivars with high self-incompatibility stopped elongating at 1/3 or 1/2 part of the styles, and only a few pollen tubes of the euhivars with low self-incompatibility reached the ovary, and the normal fertilization ratio was significantly lower than that in self-compatible cultivars. [ Conclusion] Among the 34 apricot cuhivars, only 6 cuhivars were self-compatible and the others exhibited gametophyte self-incompatibility. In addition, the fruit setting rate by self-pollination was low.

Analysis of Aromatic Components in Fruit of Apricot Cultivar Jinkaite in Different Development Periods

The aromatic components and contents in fruit of apricot cultivar Jinkaite were analyzed in green ripe period, commercial ripe period and full ripe period by static headspace and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that total 46 kinds of aromatic components were detected in Jinkaite apricot fruit. The main aromatic components included esters, alcohols, hydrocarbons and aldehydes. The aromatic components and contents had significant differences be- tween various fruit developmental periods. Specifically, 31,32 and 24 kinds of aromatic components were detected in green ripe period, commercial ripe period and full ripe period, respectively. The contents of esters were the highest at the 3 developmental stages with the percentages of 61.14%, 70. 02% and 61.48%, respec- tively. Hexyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl 2-methyl propionate and 1-hexanol were characteristic aromatic components in fruit of apricot Jinkaite, and their aroma values in full ripe period were 448.50, 29.86, 7.85 and 3.54, respectively.

Effectiveness of Apricots (<i>Prunus armeniaca</i>), Pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i>) Juice and Lactic Acid Fermented Sobya on Plasma Levels of Lipid Profile Parameters and Total Homocysteine among Egyptian Adults

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of dietary intervention with apricots, pomegranate juice or lactic acid fermented sobya on improving the plasma levels of lipid profile parameters and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) among healthy adults. Design of the study: Thirty-five men and women (28.9 ± 3.0 years) with mean body mass index of 23.5 ± 1.2 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to a dietary intervention study. During the pre-feeding study records of 24-hour food intake, anthropometric measurements and blood sampling were collected for biochemical investigations. Thereafter the volunteers were divided into five groups: a control group (C);the other four groups received daily one of the following supplements: 200 g of deep yellow apricots (Prunus armeniaca) (AF);250 g pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice (PJ);mixture of 100 g (PJ) and 150 g of fermented sobya (FS), (PJ-FS) or 165 g (FS). After completing the three-week dietary intervention, blood samples were collected and blood indices were again evaluated. Biochemical analysis of total lipids (TL), total glycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and tHcy were completed. The low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level and three indices of risk factors were calculated using the appropriate equations. Results: Three-week dietary intervention improved the levels of lipid profile parameters TG, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C as compared to the respective baseline levels and the response of the control group that did not receive any supplement. Consuming (PJ-FS) had a synergistic beneficially added value on some of the above mentioned lipid profile parameters. The mean plasma tHcy concentrations;a marker for occlusive vascular disease was reduced significantly following the three week consumption of (PJ) or (FS), compared with the respective pre-feeding levels. Conclusion: Pomegranate juice (PJ) or lactic acid fermented sobya (FS) or mixture of both are potential natural agents in lowering the plasma levels of lipid profile parameters and tHcy among apparently healthy young women and men, without dyslipidemic symptoms.

Kinetic Studies on <i>β</i>-Galactosidase Isolated from Apricots (<i>Prunus armeniaca kaisa</i>)

β-galactosidase was extracted from apricots (Prunus armeniaca kaisa) and characterized biochemically. Three isoenzymes (β-gal I, β-gal II and β-gal III) were obtained by salt fractionation and ionexchange and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. β-galactosidase II showed a high ability to hy-drolyze the substrate p-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside than that of β-galactosidase I and III. The individual peaks showed charge homogeneity as revealed by single band on polyacrylamide gel. The molecular weight of β-gal I, β-gal II and β-gal III as determined by gel filtration was found to be 44.15, 34.70 and 23.71 KDa respectively. The optimum pH for the activity different isozymes was found between 4 and 6. The isoenzymes were determined to be thermally stable upto 40?C. The Km value for β-gal I was 1.85 mM which was higher than that of β-gal II (Km = 1.7), and β-gal III (Km = 1.19). The Vmax value for β-gal I, β-gal II and β-gal III was found to be 0.52, 0.70 and 0.38 μmole/min respectively.

Impacts of Exogenous Calcium and Calcium Inhibitor on Fruit Cracking of Apricot

Calcium nitrate and EGTA（ calcium inhibitor） were sprayed on Dafeng Apricot during young fruit period. The results showed that calcium（ Ca） spraying during young fruit period increased Ca and VCcontents in the fruit,improved SOD and POD activities,and declined K content,K/Ca and the occurrence of fruit cracking. When spraying calcium inhibitor during young fruit period,it aggravated fruit cracking.